Chapter 3: Unexpected journey

A few months later, I found myself immersed in an unexpected journey. Mr. Ronald Bowie, the owner of the business, took it upon himself to be my mentor, dedicating an entire six months to imparting his wisdom on the intricacies of running a successful business. Recognizing my exceptional aptitude for absorbing knowledge and my unwavering determination to excel, Ronald saw great potential in me. His satisfaction in guiding me through the business world was evident, as I eagerly followed his directives without hesitation or inquiry.

As time went on, Ronald noticed my ability to thrive independently and an extraordinary idea began to take shape in his mind. He decided to entrust me with the sole operation of the business for a few months, with the promise that if I impressed him with my achievements, he would transfer the ownership of the company to me. It was a defining moment that would mark my transition to complete independence. Ronald had initially expected it to take the full six months for me to meet his lofty expectations, but to his astonishment, I surpassed them in just a single month. I managed to drive the business to generate a remarkable 10% increase in revenue, surpassing its typical monthly performance. The reputation of Ma Maison est ta Madison, our interior design company, spread far and wide, drawing the attention of clients from across the country. As the six-month mark approached, Ronald faced a momentous decision.

With careful consideration, Ronald acknowledged that the time had come to hand over the reins of the company to me. He meticulously planned the details, ensuring that the momentous occasion would be even more special by coinciding with my birthday on October 4th.

*****

Sitting in my office, deeply engrossed in the sleek design sketches for a modern house project, I was interrupted by an unexpected visitor. To my surprise, it was none other than Mr. Ronald Bowie himself, the owner of the business. My heart skipped a beat, bracing for the usual onslaught of problems or concerns that accompanied his visits.

"Good morning, my darling. I see how tirelessly you work to generate prosperity for us," Ronald declared, casually strolling into my office and taking a seat at the table where I was immersed in my work.

"Yes, Sir. I always push myself to the limit. May I ask what brings you here?" I replied, mustering a polite smile on my face, although deep down, I anticipated some distressing news. Ronald's visits had become synonymous with challenges that required my immediate attention. It often felt like I was solely responsible for resolving issues within the company.

But to my surprise, Ronald's purpose was quite different this time. "Dear, I came to whisk you away for a delightful lunch. You've been toiling all day, and you deserve some rest," he announced, his words filling me with a sense of wonder and intrigue. Such acts of kindness from him were rare, as our interactions had mostly revolved around work. It almost felt like stepping into a dream.

"You're right, Sir. I could use some rest. However, I have a meeting with a new client and need to present my comprehensive plans for their house today at 5 pm, so they can be approved before my team and I commence our work. I'm afraid I can't join you, but I appreciate the offer," I responded, turning my attention back to my work. But Ronald had other plans.

"Is being an interior designer causing you problems?" he asked, his face tightening with concern.

"No, sir. I've always aspired to be an interior designer, and you have given me the opportunity to work hard and excel. If it entails long hours of work, so be it," I explained, reminiscing about my humble beginnings and the

 journey that led me to this point.

"My sweetheart, there's no need for you to worry about anything. The business is yours. Let's continue making great profits together."

Ronald's words brought forth a burst of laughter from both of us. Yet, I couldn't fully grasp the weight of his statement. He often made light of serious matters, so I didn't take his claim seriously.

"Sir, I know I work for you, and if we want to continue prospering, let me do my job. I'll see you at home," I said, adding a playful tone to the word "home." Ronald chuckled and walked out, instructing his bodyguard to summon the driver and bring the cars to the front.

"Honey, don't fret about your meeting. I've got it covered," he assured me, and I smiled, knowing I wouldn't win this time. Ronald possessed an uncanny ability to persuade me into agreement. Though challenging, I couldn't help but admire his determination. It was a testament to his deep-rooted emotions for me, which he struggled to express. From the very first day he laid eyes on me, he fell head over heels in love. And even now, that passion burns with the same intensity.

Love—an inexplicable force that defies all comprehension. It transformed Ronald, compelling him to become a better person. The enchanting power I possess leaves his world spinning. The way he feels in my presence, the joy that lights up every face when I enter a room—it's a phenomenon he cannot fully comprehend. He treasures how I laugh even at his silliest jokes, and I make him feel things he has never experienced with anyone else. I am different, a remarkable departure from the women who preceded me in his life.

"I will only accompany you if you promise to refrain from visiting my office with problems or concerns regarding our clients. I am in charge, remember?" I playfully negotiated, knowing that the chance to escape the confines of work was a rare luxury.

"Alright, my lady, but you're really pushing it. I will agree on the condition that you join me."

"Deal."

*****

My mind buzzed with curiosity as Ronald drove the car through the city streets, leaving me clueless about our destination. It seemed as if he had meticulously planned every aspect of our outing, ensuring that it would be an unforgettable experience. The anticipation tingled within me, and I found myself questioning the intentions behind this grand gesture.

As we arrived at our destination, my breath caught in my throat. I couldn't believe my eyes—the place before me was like a scene from a fairytale. It was adorned with the finest decorations money could buy, featuring an exquisite water view and talented musicians serenading us with melodious tunes. It was a breathtaking sight that surpassed anything I could have imagined.

"This... this is incredible. Are we really in the right place?" I whispered, astounded by the opulence and attention to detail.

"Yes, my darling. All of this is for you," Ronald explained, his voice filled with warmth and affection. He gently wrapped his arm around my waist, guiding me towards a table adorned with flowers, set against the backdrop of the picturesque view.

"Sir, thank you. I'm in awe of everything you've done here. It's truly magical, but I don't think it was necessary," I expressed, feeling overwhelmed by the grandeur of the gesture.

"Please, call me Ron," he interjected, his eyes filled with tenderness as he gazed into mine.

"Now, let's take our seats and enjoy this lunch together," he announced, and I nodded, allowing myself to be immersed in the enchantment of the moment.

As we approached the table, my eyes fell upon a

 sign that read, "Happy Birthday, Devine Karabo Stephenson." In that moment, a realization struck me—I had completely forgotten that today was my birthday, the 4th of October.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I comprehended the depth of Ronald's thoughtfulness. This grand gesture, these overwhelming displays of affection, were all to celebrate me, my birth, my existence. Never before had anyone gone to such lengths to make my birthday memorable. While my mother had organized simple gatherings with family and friends in the past, they paled in comparison to this extraordinary display. I couldn't contain my emotions any longer.

"Oh my God, Ron, this is beyond beautiful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," I murmured, tears streaming down my cheeks, overcome with gratitude and love.

His words resonated within me, causing my heart to soar. "I did all of this because I love you," he declared, and in that moment, I felt like I was floating on cloud nine.

"What are you saying, Ron?" I gasped, my mind struggling to comprehend the depth of his emotions. Everything was happening so quickly, shifting our relationship into uncharted territory.

"What I mean, Devine, is that I have loved you from the moment I first laid eyes on you. I want to be with you, to share a life filled with love and happiness. The love I feel for you surpasses anything I have ever experienced before. And I believe you feel it too," he confessed, a hint of vulnerability shining through his confident demeanor.

Before I could respond, he pulled me into a passionate kiss. I was momentarily taken aback, but the intensity of the moment swept me away. I responded to his embrace, reciprocating the desire that had been brewing within me for far too long. His lips were soft and inviting, his tongue dancing with mine in a perfect rhythm. It was a kiss unlike any other—a culmination of longing, yearning, and unspoken desires.

For too long, I had suppressed my feelings, fearful of jeopardizing our professional relationship. Ronald's perpetual rotation of companions further discouraged me from confessing my affection, as it seemed he wasn't interested in a committed relationship. Yet, with his bold move, the floodgates of my heart burst open, releasing the pent-up emotions that had consumed me.

The kiss deepened, and my desire for him intensified. I had longed for this connection, for the taste of his lips, and now, it was all I could think about. My worries about the age gap, our differing personalities, and the challenges that lay ahead dissipated in that moment. Love knows no bounds, no age restrictions. And if Ronald and I were willing to explore this uncharted territory together, perhaps our differences would become our greatest strengths.

As we broke apart, our eyes locked in a silent understanding. The journey that awaited us would be filled with ups and downs, but I was ready to embrace it, ready to discover what love had in store for us. From this moment forward, we would navigate the realms of work and love, intertwining our lives in a way that defied all expectations.

Ronald and I would conquer the challenges, merge our differences, and create a love story that surpassed all others. Our journey had just begun, and the world was brimming with endless possibilities.